Application of thoracic skin flap with multiple blood supply in repair of tissue defects and deformities in jaw and neck / 中华烧伤杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore an appropriate measure to repair tissue defects and deformities in mandibulo-cervical region.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighteen cases with severe tissue defects and deformity in jaw and neck were repaired with thoracic skin flap with multiple blood supply system in our unit from Jan. 2006 to Nov. 2008. Anterior cutaneous branch of transverse cervical artery, intercostal branch of internal thoracic artery and lateral thoracic artery were included in the pedicles.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All skin flaps survived, except in one patient in whom a small belb appeared at the distal end of the island flap with anterior cutaneous branch of transverse cervical artery, and it was healed after a few dressing changes. The functions and appearances were satisfactory after 6-month to 2-year follow-up, without showing secondary deformity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The blood supply of thoracic skin flap is abundant and constant, which is an ideal method for repair of tissue defects and deformities in jaw and neck after taking into account some factors, such as the demand of the patient, general physical condition, and the size of the defect.</p>